Secondary Sump Pump Shelf for Stable Backup Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sump pump systems face difficulties in stabilizing and positioning a secondary sump pump within the sump pump basin, often requiring complex setup and being prone to improper installation, which can hinder their functionality as a backup pump.

Innovation Solution

A sump pump system featuring a shelf that secures to the discharge pipe of a primary sump pump, allowing the secondary pump to be positioned and stabilized above it, using a connection recess and member to facilitate easy installation and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the secondary sump pump is placed within the sump pump basin, then it can function as a backup pump, but it becomes unstable and difficult to position properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup pump functionalityVSAvoidsecondary pump stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A shelf is introduced as an intermediary structure between the primary sump pump and the secondary sump pump. The shelf is attached to the primary pump and provides a stable mounting surface for the secondary pump, eliminating the instability that would occur if the secondary pump were placed directly in the basin. This intermediary structure enables proper positioning and stabilization of the backup pump.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the secondary sump pump is placed high enough above the first sump pump, then it can function effectively as a backup, but the setup becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup pump effectivenessVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is pre-attached to the primary sump pump before installing the secondary pump. This preliminary action establishes the proper height and position for the secondary pump in advance, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during installation. The pre-positioned shelf simplifies the overall setup process while ensuring the secondary pump is at the correct height for effective backup operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional mounting method is used for the secondary sump pump, then installation is possible, but it is prone to improper setup and requires extensive time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: a shelf attachment mechanism that connects to the primary pump, and a separate mounting interface for the secondary pump. This segmentation allows for modular assembly, where the shelf is first secured to the primary pump, then the secondary pump is independently mounted on the shelf. This divided approach simplifies installation and reduces the time required compared to traditional integrated mounting methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250283456A1Secondary SUMP pump shelf system
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 MUNNEKE KENDALL JAY
  • US20250283456A1 patent drawing
  • US20250283456A1 patent drawing
  • US20250283456A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sump pump system and shelf system for storing a second sump pump is disclosed. The sump pump system may have a sump pump basin, first sump pump, first discharge pipe, a shelf system, a second sump pump stored on the shelf system, and second discharge pipe is disclosed/Shelf system has a shelf secured to the first discharge pipe and a support member of the shelf system raises shelf above at least a portion of the first sump pump. The shelf is secured to the first discharge pipe and placed on the support member. The shelf provides a stabilizing surface for the second sump pump above the first sump pump while maintaining a compact sump pump system. The shelf is shaped to align with a curve of the sump pump basin and to be able to be placed over one or more components of the first sump pump.